As winter comes to an end, it’s time to think about removing the cover from your swimming pool. However, this process requires careful planning; otherwise, you may be greeted by a pool that is green and unhealthy, which can be quite disappointing when you’re eager to dive in.
A Common Mistake: Waiting Too Long to Open Your Pool
Many pool owners make the mistake of waiting until just before the swimming season begins to remove their pool cover. They often do this as local parks and water parks gear up for summer festivities. The issue with this approach is that if you procrastinate, your pool water can start to develop algae, leading to extensive cleaning efforts before you can enjoy your pool.
When is the Right Time to Open Your Pool?
First, it’s essential to understand that opening your swimming pool doesn’t mean it’s time to jump in right away. This misconception can lead to days or even weeks spent cleaning instead of enjoying the water during the initial days of the season.
Monitor Your Water Temperature
Depending on your geographical location, the ideal timing may vary. However, I recommend starting to test your water temperature about 1 to 2 months before the swimming season officially begins. Algae growth can start when the average water temperature exceeds 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Personally, I prefer to open my pool as soon as the water temperature reaches 65 degrees. While I wouldn’t recommend swimming at this temperature—it’s still quite chilly—it signifies that the time to remove the cover is near.
Taking Accurate Temperature Readings
It’s important to note that water temperature can fluctuate throughout the day. To get an accurate average, measure the water temperature twice a day: once in the morning and once in the late afternoon or evening. To calculate the average temperature, use this formula:
- Morning Temperature + Evening Temperature
- Divide the sum by 2 to find the Average Water Temperature.
Once your average water temperature reaches 65 degrees or higher, it’s time to remove the pool cover and prepare for the season. During the initial opening period, you’ll find that your pool requires much less maintenance compared to when the official swimming season begins. I recommend running the pump to circulate the water about once a day and maintaining a low chlorine dosage to prevent algae buildup. If you notice any signs of algae, increase the pump’s runtime or the chlorine level, or consider shocking the pool. You can also add algaecide to further control algae growth.
Avoiding Headaches Before Opening Day
This proactive approach to maintaining your pool before the official opening day can save you a lot of hassle. Many pool owners think they can delay pool care, but this is a misguided strategy!
Removing the cover, connecting your pump, and adding water can all be accomplished in a single day, often in just a few hours. Remember to add chlorine weekly, set your pump to an automatic cycle if possible, and patiently wait for the water to warm up enough for swimming. Trust me when I say, this minimal effort is far less daunting than a week’s worth of cleaning!